Fixture mount assembly

ABSTRACT

A fixture mount assembly for coupling with a support includes a fixture mount configured for mounting one or more fixtures on a support. The fixture mount includes a fixture body surrounding a wiring cavity, and one or more fixture coupling features extending from the fixture body. A grasping clamp is coupled with the fixture body. The grasping clamp is configured to grasp the support in an installed configuration.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/040,342, filed Feb. 10, 2016, which application claims thepriority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/192,372,filed Jul. 14, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and dataas described below and in the drawings that form a part of thisdocument: Copyright Energy Management Collaborative, LLC; Plymouth,Minn. USA. All Rights Reserved.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, tofixture mounts in electrical, lighting, audio and instrumentationapplications.

BACKGROUND

Fixtures, such as light fixtures, are installed at varying heights andorientations according to the desired application. For instance, whenused in a parking lot light fixtures are mounted to supports, such aslight posts, that elevate the fixtures to provide a wide application oflight to the parking lot. Similarly, other fixtures, such asloudspeakers, hangers, instruments or the like are at times installed onsupports to provide a desired placement for the fixture.

In at least some examples each fixture has a varied installationfootprint including a bracket or plate having a plurality fasteners orfastener features (e.g., holes) provided in a pattern unique to thefixture. The installer uses a template or measures the position of thefastener features and then forms corresponding fastener features on thesupport. For instance, the installer measures the pattern of fastenerfeatures and then drills a corresponding set of fastener features in thesupport. This process is repeated for each fixture coupled with thesupport. For example, with a light post that will position four lightfixtures, the installation footprint is drilled into the support fourtimes, once for each fixture. After preparation of the support each ofthe fixtures is coupled to the support, for instance with bolts, screwsor rivets driven through the fastener features on each of the fixturesand the corresponding features formed on the support.

Overview

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that aproblem to be solved can include minimizing the difficulty of fixtureinstallations, use of specialized fixture mounts unique to each fixturestyle and normalizing one or more of support (post or pole)configuration and size. For instance, because there are numerous typesof fixtures and corresponding installation footprints for the fixtures(e.g., fastener patterns, brackets or the like) the installer investstime and labor in measuring each footprint or using a template toduplicate (e.g., drill) the footprint on a support, such as a lightpost. Further, fixtures and supports are in some examples heavy andcumbersome making measurement and duplication of the footprintdifficult. Additionally, where multiple fixtures are designated forinstallation on a support the process of duplicating the installationfootprint for a fixture is repeated or done again if a differing fixtureis used. Furthermore, the installer spends time and effort researchingand installing mounting accessories to mate up a specified fixture witha specified pole or post type (e.g., varied in size, shape, taper or thelike). Stated another way, in some examples the installer must select oralter the footprint, select different mounting accessories or the likeaccording to the configuration of the pole or post.

The present subject matter can help provide a solution to this problem,such as by providing a fixture mounting assembly interposed between thefixtures and the support. The fixture mounting assembly provides aplurality of fixture anchors spaced around the fixture mount. Thefixture anchors optionally include ports and clamps that readily receiveand fasten fixture adapters to the fixture mounting assembly (and theassociated support) at the corresponding locations of the anchors. Thefixture adapters include a variety of fixture interfaces that areprepared beforehand (e.g., molded, machined, prepared on site or thelike) and immediately ready for coupling with the corresponding fixturetype. A mount interface of each of the adapters provides a consistentshape (e.g., profile) that is readily received through the correspondingfixture ports of the fixture mounting assembly and clamped by a fixtureclamp. In one example, fixture adapters having differing fixtureinterfaces are provided separately or with the fixture mount (e.g., afixture body configured for coupling with the support) to facilitate therapid coupling of any corresponding fixtures to a support with little tono preparation of the support in the time and labor intensive mannerdescribed. Stated another way, varying fixture styles are coupledquickly and reliably to a support with the fixture mounting assembly.

In another example, the fixture mounting assembly includes a graspingclamp that quickly and reliably couples the fixture mount and fixturescoupled with the fixture mount to the support (e.g., a light posts,utility pole or the like). The grasping clamp provides a plurality ofengagement faces that are movable relative to the mount body (e.g.,along bracket guides). Movement of the engagement faces, for instance byoperation of a fastener, clamps the support between the faces andfastens the fixture mount reliably with the support. Multiple fastenerholes, and corresponding fasteners delivered through the holes are notneeded to robustly couple the fixture mounting assembly with thesupport. Further, the grasping clamp facilitates the coupling of thefixture mounting assembly (and the fixtures coupled with it) to avariety of differing supports such as posts and poles that havevariations in size, shape, taper and the like. For instance, thegrasping clamp facilitates installation of the fixture mounting assemblywith supports including, but not limited to, round, square, taperedsupports having diameters or dimensions of between at least 3.5 to 6.5inches.

This is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the presentpatent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive orexhaustive explanation of the disclosure. The detailed description isincluded to provide further information about the present patentapplication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a fixture assemblyincluding an installed fixture mount assembly and a plurality offixtures.

FIG. 2A is a detailed perspective view of the fixture mount assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a detailed perspective view of the fixture mount assembly ofFIG. 2A with the body cover removed.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one example of a fixture anchorcoupling a light fixture with the fixture mount assembly.

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the fixture anchor including thebody cover.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of one example of a grasping clamp on a roundsupport.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the grasping clamp of FIG. 4 coupled with asquare support.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a plurality of light fixturesconfigured for coupling with the fixture mount assembly shown in FIGS.2A, B.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a plurality of fixture adaptersconfigured for coupling with various light fixtures and including aconsistent mount interface.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing one example of a method for using afixture mount assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows one example of a fixture assembly 100 including a pluralityof fixtures 104 coupled with a support 106 by way of an exemplaryfixture mount assembly 102. As described herein, the fixtures 104include, but are not limited to, light, audio, instrumentation, sensorfixtures or the like. The support 106 shown in FIG. 1 includes one ormore work pieces including, but not limited to light posts, light poles,utility posts or poles or the like configured to position the one ormore fixtures 104 at a desired position, for instance elevated above anarea to be lit, an area to be observed, an area to provide a broadcastto or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of fixtures 104 are each coupled withthe fixture mount assembly 102 provided between the fixtures 104 and thesupport 106. The fixture mount assembly 102 includes the fixture mount108 and a grasping clamp 110. As will be described herein, the fixturemount assembly 102 provides an intervening component to allow for thequick, reliable and robust coupling of the fixtures 104 to the support106 with little to no preparation of the support 106 (e.g., mapping apattern of fasteners or holes, drilling or machining the support or thelike). Even where the style of the fixtures 104 vary (e.g., havediffering installation footprints shapes, sizes, functions or the like)the fixture mount assembly 102 provides an interface to readily couplethe fixtures 104 with the support 106.

As further shown in FIG. 1, in an example the fixture mount assembly 102includes a grasping clamp 110 configured to couple the fixture mountassembly 102 with the support 106. The grasping clamp 110 includes aplurality of features that facilitate the coupling of the fixture mountassembly 102 to the support 106 with little to no fastening between thefixture mount assembly 102 and the support 106 (e.g., with fastenerssuch as bolts, screws, rivets or the like).

Referring now to FIG. 2A, another example of the fixture mount assembly102 is provided with the fixtures 104 removed for illustration purposes.As shown in the example, the fixture mount assembly 102 includes thefixture mount 108 and the grasping clamp 110 coupled with a mount body200 of the fixture mount 108. The grasping clamp 110 is coupled around asupport, such as support 106 previously shown in FIG. 1 and duplicatedhere in FIG. 2A.

In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the fixture mount 108 includes a mountbody 200 having a body cover 202. The body cover 202 is in one exampleremovable relative to the remainder of the mount body 200 to facilitateaccess to the interior of the fixture mount 108. Optionally a wiringcavity is provided within the fixture mount 108 to easily route anddirect one or more of wiring, wiring harnesses, cables, instrumentationor the like through both of the fixture ports 210 to each of thefixtures 104 shown in FIG. 1 as well as through the support 106 shown inFIG. 2A. In an example, the writing cavity is a junction box.

As further shown in FIG. 2A, an instrument port 204 is provided in thebody cover 202. In one example, the instrument port 204 includes a portplug or instrument port plug 206 sized and shaped for reception withinthe instrument port 204. Where desired, the installer may remove theinstrument port plug 206 and install one or more instruments within theinstrument port 204 for instance for communication with the fixturessuch as the fixtures 104 shown in FIG. 1. One example of an instrumentpositioned within the instrument port 204 or extending through theinstrument port is a photosensitive cell (photo cell) in communicationwith one or more of the fixtures 104 to provide a light operated switchthe fixtures 104 where the fixtures are in one example light fixtures.Where an instrument is not used with the fixture mount assembly 102 theinstrument port plug 206 is provided through the instrument port 204 toprovide a sealed enclosure for the interior of the fixture mount 108.

As further shown in FIG. 2A and previously mentioned herein, one or morefixture ports 210 are provided around the fixture mount 108. As shown inFIG. 2A four fixture ports are provided at approximately ninety degreeintervals. In other examples, one or more fixture ports 210 are providedwith the fixture mount 108 (e.g., the fixture mount 108 includes one,two, three or more fixture ports 210). Although the fixture ports 210are shown at a consistent elevation and interval around the mount body200 in another example the fixture ports 210 are provided vertically andhorizontally around the fixture mount 108 according to the needs for theparticular application of the fixtures 104 shown in FIG. 1. Forinstance, fixture ports 210 are formed at varying locations (vertically)along the mount body 200 to maximize the use of space of the body orposition fixtures such as instrument fixtures, above or below otherfixtures, such as audio or light fixtures. In other examples, thefixtures are provided at varied intervals, in a cluster or the like(e.g., horizontally around the mount body 200). For instance, a clusterof fixture ports 210 is provided along a portion of the mount body 200where the installer desires to direct the associated fixtures in adirection or arc (e.g., toward an athletic field, away from homes, orthe like).

As will be described herein, one or more fixture anchors 208 areprovided around the fixture mount 108 corresponding to each of thefixture ports 210. In one example, the fixture anchors 208 include eachof the respective fixture ports 210 as well as fixture clamps providedwithin the fixture mount 108 to securely couple with one or morefixtures 104 including one or more fixture adapters (described herein)used for coupling a variety of differing fixtures 104 with the fixturemount assembly 102. As will be described herein, the fixture anchors 208provide both lateral and translational retention and support of thefixtures 104 and the fixture adapters relative to the fixture mountassembly 102 and the support 106.

In other examples, where the fixture mount assembly 102 includes aplurality of fixture ports 210 but fewer than the total number offixture ports 210 are used, one or more port plugs 212 are selectivelypositioned in the unused fixture ports 210 to provide and maintain asealed environment within the mount body 200. The mount body 200 of thefixture mount 108 thereby provides a concealed environment for sensitivecomponents including, but not limited to, wiring, wiring harnesses,cables, instrumentation or the like. With the body cover 202 in placealong the remainder of the mount body 200 and one or more fixtures 104or port plugs 212 coupled with the fixture mount assembly 102 theassembly 102 is able to facilitated robust coupling with the fixturessuch as the fixtures 104 while also providing a concealed environmentfor any wiring, instrumentation or the like used with the fixtures 104.

FIG. 2B shows another view of the fixture mount assembly 102 having thebody cover 202 (shown in FIG. 2A) removed to expose a wiring cavity 212.As shown the wiring cavity 212 is provided in the interior of the mountbody 200 and provides a relatively central location for reception ofwiring, instrumentation or the like from each of the fixtures 104coupled with the fixture mount assembly 102. As further shown in FIG.2B, in one example, the mount body 200 includes a wire post 214positioned within the mount body 200 to facilitate the wrapping ofwiring or wiring harnesses there around prior to delivery of wiring intothe support 106 through the orifice of the wiring cavity 212 extendingdownwardly into the support 106. In another example, the mount body 200includes a ground terminal 216 (and associated grounding wire) toprovide a readily accessible ground for each of the fixtures 104 coupledwith the fixture mount assembly 102.

Referring again to FIG. 2B, a plurality of examples of a fixture clamp218 are provided at four locations within the mount body 200. Aspreviously described herein, in one example a mount body of the fixturemount assembly includes one or more fixture anchors as opposed to theplurality of fixture anchors shown for instance in FIG. 2B. In thisexample, the fixture clamp 218 of each of the fixture anchors 208includes first and second jaws 220, 222. The first jaw 220 is moveablerelative to the second jaw 222. The second jaw 222 is optionallypositioned along one or more adapter rails 304 (shown in FIG. 3)configured to provide a guide for the fixture 104 installation feature(or mount interface 302 describe herein) from the fixture port 210 tothe fixture clamp 218. As will be described herein, with reception of amount interface (e.g., of a fixture adapter) through one or more of thefixture ports 210 the first jaw 220 is moved relative to the second jaw222 to clamp the mount interface therebetween and translationallyimmobilize the mount interface and an associated fixture (e.g., fixture104 shown in FIG. 1) relative to the fixture mount assembly 102 and thesupport 106.

As further shown in FIG. 2B, in one example, the fixture clamp 218includes one or more jaw guides 224 such as posts, rails or the likeconfigured to hold the first jaw 220 in a relatively aligned orientationrelative to the second jaw 222. The first jaw 220 is moveable along thejaw guides 224 to position the first jaw in an open configuration shownin FIG. 2B and a closed configuration shown in FIG. 3A. In anotherexample, the fixture clamp 218 of the fixture anchor 208 includes aclamp operator 226. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the clamp operator226 includes one or more nuts, plugs, slides or the like configured tofacilitate movement of the first jaw 220 toward the second jaw 222. Forinstance, with rotation of a nut as the clamp operator 226 the first jaw220 is moved toward the second jaw 222. With a mount interface(described herein) between the first and second jaws 220, 222 (andcorrespondingly delivered through the fixture port 210) the first andsecond jaws 220, 222 engage with the mount interface and therebyimmobilize the mount interface relative to the fixture mount assembly102. As shown in the example in FIG. 2B, optionally one or more of thefirst and second jaws 220, 222 includes features such as knurling,ridges, tacky features such as butyl rubber feet or the like configuredto readily grasp the mount interface between the first and second jaws220, 222 and thereby prevent slipping therebetween. Optionally,installation features of the fixtures include, but are not limited tobracket tubes, posts or the like and the features are installed with thefixture anchors 208 including the fixture clamp 218 as described herein(e.g., in lieu of the mount interfaces).

In another example, and as shown in FIG. 2B, the fixture clamp 218includes an optional jaw biasing element 228 coupled with the first jaw220. As shown in the example, the jaw biasing element 228 is coupledalong the jaw guides 224. The jaw biasing element 228 includes, but isnot limited to, a spring or other elastomeric element configured to biasthe first jaw 220 into the open configuration shown for instance in FIG.2B. By biasing the first jaw 220 into the open configuration, a featuresuch as the mount interface of the fixture adapters (described herein)or other installation feature of a fixture is readily received betweenthe first and second jaws 220, 222 prior to closing of the first andsecond jaws 220, 222 to couple the fixture with the fixture mountassembly 102. Accordingly, an installer is able to readily position themount interface (or other installation feature) between the first andsecond jaws 220, 222. Once the mount interface is positioned as desiredbetween the jaws 220, 222 the clamp operator 226 is operated, overcomingthe bias of the jaw biasing element 228, to move the first and secondjaws 220, 222 into engagement to thereby clamp the mount interfacetherebetween.

Although the fixture clamp 218 as described herein includes first andsecond jaws 220, 222 and an operator 226 as an example, other examplesof fixture clamps are also included with the fixture clamp 218including, but not limited to, one or more of ring clamps, interferencefits, spline fittings or the like configured to reliably couple (e.g.,clamp, fix, fasten or the like) a feature such as the mount interface orother fixture installation feature with the fixture mount assembly 102.As further shown in FIG. 2B, each of the fixture anchors 208 includes afixture port 210 as well as a fixture clamp 218. As shown in FIG. 2B,the fixture ports 210 include port walls 232 formed in the mount body200 including the body cover 202 (removed in FIG. 2B but shown in FIG.2A). As will be described herein, the port walls 232 cooperate with thefixture clamp 218 to reliably hold, stabilize and retain the fixtureadapters (or other fixture installation features as described herein)within the respective fixture anchors 208. In one example, the portwalls 232 provide lateral support to the fixture adapters (for instance,the mount interface) and the fixture clamp 218 provides translationalmobilization of the mount interface. As described herein, the port walls232 provide a complementary fit with the fixtures 104 or the fixtureadapters to thereby snugly couple around features received within thefixture ports 210.

FIG. 3A shows another detailed perspective view of the fixture mountassembly 102 again with the body cover 202 removed. In this example, oneexemplary fixture 104 is provided through a fixture port 210 and coupledwith the fixture mount 108 with one of the fixture anchors 208previously described herein. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, thefixture 104 is coupled with the fixture mount assembly 102 with anintervening fixture adapter 300. Fixtures 6A and 6B (described furtherherein) show a plurality of fixture adapters 300 of varyingconfigurations including for instance a plurality of differing fixtureinterfaces.

In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the fixture adapter 300 is showncoupled with the fixture 104 and includes a mount interface 302extending from the fixture 104 and through the fixture port 210 forcoupling between the first and second jaws 220, 222 of the fixture clamp218. As will be described herein, in one example the fixture adapter300, specifically the mount interface 302, includes a profile (e.g.,shape, size or the like) corresponding or complementary to the profileof the fixture port 210 including the port walls 232. In anotherexample, the mount interface 302 includes a corresponding profile to theprofiles of one or more of the first and second jaws 220, 222. In theexample shown in FIG. 3A, the fixture adapter 300 including the mountinterface 302 has a circular configuration or profile. In otherexamples, one or more of the fixture adapter 300 and the mount interface302 of the fixture adapter 300 have different configurations including,but not limited to, one or more of square, rectangular, ovular,pyramidal profiles or the like. Optionally, the fixture anchors 208including one or more of the respective fixture ports 210 and thefixture clamps 218 have corresponding or complementary configurations tothe mount interface (e.g., one or more square, rectangular, ovular,pyramidal or the like). Stated another way, the fixture anchors 208 andthe mount interface 302 are not limited to a round configuration.Instead another shape or size is optionally used to provide a consistentinterface between fixture adapters 300 and the corresponding fixturemount assembly 102.

As further shown in FIG. 3A, the mount interface 302 is coupled with thefirst mount assembly 102 by way of the fixture anchor 208. As previouslydescribed herein, the fixture anchor 208 in one example includes one ofthe fixture ports 210 as well as one of the fixture clamps 218. Themount interface 302 is delivered through the fixture port 210 and isfurther delivered between the first and second jaws 220, 222 (with theoptional adapter rails 304 guiding the mount interface 302 to the jaws).In one example, the first jaw 220 is biased into an open configurationwith the jaw biasing elements 228 provided for instance along the jawguides 224 shown in FIG. 3A. Once the mount interface 302 is positionedbetween the first and second jaws 220, 222 and optionally backstopped orengaged against a fixture stop 306 the first jaw 220 is moved relativeto the second jaw 222 to clamp the mount interface 302 therebetween. Forinstance in one example, the clamp operator 226 is operated to move thefirst jaw 220 (overcoming the bias provided by the jaw biasing element228) to engage the first jaw 220 against the mount interface 302 andcorrespondingly also engage the second jaw 222 against the mountinterface 302. The engagement of the fixture clamp 218 (e.g., by way ofthe first and second jaws 220, 222) translationally immobilizes themount interface 302 within the mount body 200 (and further immobilizesthe fixture 104 relative to the mount body 200). As will be describedherein, the fixture port 210 including the port walls 232 laterallysupports the mount interface 302 and the fixture 104 against upward,downward and horizontal forces applied by inclement weather, gravity orthe like. The adapter rails 304 optionally brace the mount body 200 atthe fixture anchors 208 including the fixture ports 210 against loadstransmitted from the fixtures 104 to the fixture mount 108 (e.g.,lateral loads). The fixture anchor 208 thereby robustly and reliablycouples the fixture 104 with any variety of fixtures including fixtureshaving variations in installation footprints as described herein.

FIG. 3B shows the fixture mount assembly 102 with the body cover 202replaced to thereby show a substantially enclosed version of the fixturemount assembly 202. As shown in FIG. 3B, the mount interface 302 and thefixture adapter 300 are positioned within the fixture port 210, and aspreviously shown in FIG. 3A fixed by way of the fixture anchor 208including for instance the fixture clamp 218.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the port walk 232 of the mount body 200 provide acomplimentary shape relative to the mount interface 302. Thecomplimentary shape provides a snug coupling between the port walls 232and the mount interface 302 to thereby reliably enclose the interior ofthe mount body 200 including the wiring cavity 212 as well ascomponents, instruments, wiring and the like therein. As previouslydescribed, the port walls 232 in at least one example provide lateralsupport to the mount interface 302 (or installation feature of thefixture 104 itself) and cooperate with the fixture clamp 218 toimmobilize the fixture adapter 300 as well as the fixture 104 coupledwith the fixture adapter 300.

Further, the port walls 232 and the fixture clamp 218 are configured tocouple with the consistent matching profile of the mount interfaces 302of each of the fixture adapters 300. As will be described herein,fixture interfaces of each of the fixture adapters 300 are unique orspecified for varying fixture styles including for instance differinginstallation footprints (bracket shapes, fastener arrangements or thelike) for each of the fixture styles. In contrast, the mount interface302 of the fixture adapters 300 is consistent across the fixtureadapters 300 and able to readily couple and reliably retain fixtures 104(coupled with the fixture adapters 300) to the fixture mount assembly102. As previously described herein, use of the fixture adapters 300 incombination with the fixture mount 108 and the grasping clamp 110 allowsfor robust reliable coupling of fixtures 104 of varying styles,installation footprints and the like to substantially any support,including at least the support 106 shown for instance in FIG. 1 as wellas the support 106 having a square profile as shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the fixture mount assembly 102 previouslydescribed herein. The fixture mount assembly 102 includes in the exampleshown the fixture mount 108 coupled with the grasping clamp 110. In theexample shown in FIG. 4, the grasping clamp 110 includes one or morefeatures such as engagement faces 400 configured to move relative to thefixture mount 108. As will be described herein, the engagement faces 400are in one example moved inwardly and outwardly (as shown with thearrows provided in FIG. 4) to selectively clamp or release a supportsuch as the support 106 provided between the opposed faces of theengagement faces 400. The grasping clamp 110 including in an example twoor more of the engagement faces 400 is able to tightly and robustlycouple with the support 106 to thereby correspondingly immobilize (e.g.,affix) the fixture mount assembly 102 to the support 106 including, butnot limited to, a light post, a light pole, a utility post or pole, orthe like. As shown in FIG. 4, the engagement faces 400 have acomplementary curved profile relative to the curve profile of thesupport 106. Optionally, the complementary curved profile allows forrobust surface to surface or multipoint coupling (as shown) to ensurereliable coupling between the fixture mount assembly 102 and the support106.

Referring again to FIG. 4, as shown the engagement faces 400 are in oneexample moveably coupled with the fixture mount 108 with one or morecorresponding support brackets 404. As shown in FIG. 4, in an example,each of the engagement faces 400 are provided as part of or coupled witheach of the corresponding support brackets 404. The support brackets 404are in turn moveably coupled with the fixture mount 108. As shown inFIG. 4, the support brackets 404 are movably coupled along a lowersurface of the mount body 200. As further shown in FIG. 4, in anotherexample, one or more bracket guides 406 are provided on the fixturemount 108 to guide movement of the support brackets 404 and thecorresponding engagement faces 400 inwardly and outwardly for instanceto couple and release the fixture mount assembly 102 from the support106.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the support brackets 404 are in oneexample retained within the bracket guides 406 with a feature such as arail, retainer or the like. In the example shown, a locking fastener 412is provided with each of the support brackets 404 and extends throughthe support bracket and into a corresponding portion of the fixturemount 108. In one example, each of the locking fasteners 412 includes acorresponding bolt extending through the mount body 200 to acorresponding nut, faceted face or the like provided within the mountbody 200 (e.g., within the wiring cavity 242 as shown for instance inFIG. 2B). In cooperation with the bracket guides 406 the support bracket404 slidably moves inwardly and outwardly relative to the support 106.In one example, movement of the support brackets 404 and thecorresponding engagement faces 400 results from corresponding operationof one or more fasteners 402 coupled between two or more of theengagement faces 400. As shown in the example of FIG. 4, a plurality offasteners 402 such as bolts, screws, brackets, rings or the like areprovided between each of the support brackets 404. Tightening of thesecorresponding features such as the fastener 402 shown as a bolt in FIG.4 correspondingly moves the support brackets 404 inwardly for instancetowards the support 106. Continued tightening of the fasteners 402engages the engagement faces 400 with the support 106 to therebyrobustly couple the fixture mount assembly 102 with the support 106.Once coupled, the locking fasteners 412 are optionally tightened toimmobilize the engagement faces 400 relative to the mount body 200 ofthe fixture mount 108. As further shown in in FIG. 4, in one example,the fixture mount assembly 102 including for example the grasping clamp110 includes a plurality of graduations such as sizing graduations 408,410. The graduations 408, 410 provide indicia for the installer for theapproximate placement of the engagement faces 400 and correspondingsupport brackets 404 relative to a specified size for the support 106,for instance a four inch, five inch, six inch pole or post. Referringagain to FIG. 4, the sizing graduations 408 provide indicia forpositioning of the support brackets 404 and the engagement faces 400 fora circular shaped support such as support 106 shown in FIG. 4. That isto say, the sizing graduations 408 provided to the left side of each ofthe support brackets 404 include a circular shaped indicia adjacent tothe three linear indicia near the bracket ends 405 of each of thesupport brackets 404. Movement of the support bracket 404, for instancethe bracket end 405, to each of the respective indicia accordinglypositions the brackets 404 and the corresponding engagement faces 400 ata position configured to readily engage and couple the fixture mountassembly 102 with the corresponding support 106 having a size related toor corresponding to the sizing graduations 408. That is to say, theinstaller is able to, with knowledge of the size of the support 106including its diameter, one or more dimensions or the like, pre-adjustthe support brackets 404 within the bracket guides 406 to position thebracket ends 405 of the support brackets 404 at corresponding indiciathat allow for rapid tightening of the fasteners 402 to engage thecorresponding support 106 without requiring tedious and repetitiverotation of fasteners 402 to significantly move the support brackets 404and the corresponding engagement faces 400 into engagement with thesupport provided between the opposed engagement faces 400.

As further shown in FIG. 4, other graduations 410 are optionallyprovided. As shown, the sizing graduations 410 correspond in anotherexample to supports having a different shape relative to the circularshape shown with the support 106. In an example, the sizing graduations410 are provided with regard to a parallelogram for instance a square,rectangle or the like. In a similar manner to the previously describedsizing graduations 408, the sizing graduations 410 include a squareindicia adjacent to the linear indicia of the sizing graduations 410.The sizing graduations 410 are provided to correspond to various squareor rectangular supports provided between the engagement faces 400.Indicia of the sizing graduations 410 provided toward the interior ofthe mount body 200 relative to the exterior of the mount body indicatethe support brackets 404, when moved to the corresponding graduations,are positioned for engagement with a corresponding smaller support. Incontrast, positioning of the bracket ends 405 at the graduations of thesizing graduations 410 more remote from the central portion of thefixture mount position the support brackets 404 for engagement with alarger support between the engagement faces 400.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the fixture mount assembly 102 including anexemplary square support 500. The square support 500 is shown to providean example of a support different from the circular support 106 shown inFIG. 4. The square support 500 is not intended to limit the supportsusable with the fixture mount assembly 102. For instance, the fixturemount assembly 102 is also usable with poles and posts having a varietyof shapes and profiles including, but not limited to, rectangular,circular, diamond, parallelogram, hexagonal, ovular, tapered profilesand the like.

Referring again to FIG. 5, as shown the square support 500 is coupled orengaged with the opposed engagement faces 400 including for instance thesupport brackets 404 coupled with the engagement faces 400. In thisexample, the engagement faces 400 are provided in contact with thesquare support 500 by way of optional support inserts 502 interposedbetween the engagement faces 400 and the square support 500. In theexample shown, the support inserts 502 space the engagement face 400away from the circular or curved profile previously shown in FIG. 4 andinstead reshape the face 400 into a flat or linear profile forcorresponding engagement along the flat or linear surfaces of the squaresupport 500. In a similar manner to the support inserts 502, otherexamples of support inserts are also coupled with the engagement faces400. In other examples, for instance, where differing supportconfigurations are provided between the engagement faces 400 (including,but not limited to, circular, rectangular, square, diamond, ovular,triangular profiles or the like) corresponding support inserts 502 withprofiles matching the supports are readily coupled along the engagementfaces 400 to accordingly adjust the shape of the engagement faces forrobust and reliable coupling with the corresponding support. Asdescribed herein, the support inserts 502 are optional. In anotherexample, the engagement faces 400 (e.g., one of planar or curved faces)are coupled along various supports including rectangular, circular,diamond, parallelogram, hexagonal, ovular and tapered supports withoutthe use of inserts. Instead, the engagement faces 400 engage with thevarying supports directly in one or more of surface to surface, point ormultipoint contact between each face 400 and the support. Theseengagements (e.g., direct engagements) between the grasping clamp 110and the support provide a robust and reliable coupling.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show various examples of fixtures 600-614 and fixtureadapters 620-634. Referring first to FIG. 6A, a variety of differingstyles of fixtures 600-614 are shown. The fixtures 600-614 vary withregard to one or more of size, shape and function. Some for instanceinclude rotatable joints to allow for positioning of the fixture 600 ora portion of the fixture 600 relative to another portion of the fixture.In another example, the fixtures 600 vary with regard to instruments,lighting components, audio components or the like included with thefixtures 600. The installation footprints 601-615 vary according to dataand power needs for the fixtures 600-614 and desired support for thefixtures 600-614 in an installed configuration. As shown in FIG. 6A,each of the installation footprints 601-615 is unique relative to atleast one or more of the other installation footprints. Stated anotherway, with the fixture adapters 620-634 removed from each of the fixtures600-614 the fixtures have one or more of differing brackets, fastenerpatterns (holes or fasteners), passages for wiring, instrument or thelike.

As described herein, FIG. 6A illustrates a variety of non-limitingexemplary fixtures 600-614. The fixtures 600-614 are, in one example,made and sold by a variety of manufacturers. The manufacturers, as shownin FIG. 6A, use a variety of installation footprints 601-614 that varyaccording to the manufacturer, model of the fixture, size of the fixtureor the like. The exemplary fixtures 600-614 include, but are not limitedto, light fixtures such as the Acuity D Series, Size 1, DSX1; PhilipsLumez Roadview RVM; Cree OSQ Large; GE Slipfitter EASC; GE EASC; Cooper(aeon; Acuity D Series, Size 2, DSX2; Cree OSQ Medium; and the like. Thelist provided above is non-exclusive and the exemplary fixture mountassembly 102 described herein is usable with the fixtures 600-614 shownin FIG. 6A as well as other fixtures as described herein.

As further shown in FIG. 6A, a plurality of fixture adapters 620-634 arecoupled with each of the fixtures 600-614. As will be described herein,each of the fixture adapters 620 includes a fixture interface sized andshaped for coupling with the installation footprints 601-615 of each ofthe fixtures 600-614. That is to say, the fixture interfaces of thefixture adapters 620-634 shown as examples herein include one or morefixture footprints sized and shaped to match or correspond to theinstallation footprints 601-615 shown with the respective fixtures.Stated another way, the fixture adapters 620-634 include at least oneend or component thereon sized and shaped for ready coupling with therespective fixtures 600-614 with little to no preparation of the fixtureadapters 620-634. For instance, one or more of a pattern of fasteners orfastener holes on the fixture adapters 620-634 match the correspondingpattern of holes or fasteners on the installation footprints 601-615 ofthe fixtures 600-614. Similarly, the brackets, if included with thefixture adapters 620, are correspondingly shaped to the brackets (partof the installation footprints 601-615) of each of the fixtures 600-614.

FIG. 6B shows detailed views of the fixture adapters 620-634 previouslydescribed and shown in FIG. 6A. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, thefixtures 600-614 are removed to allow for a detailed view of each of thefixture adapters. As shown, each of the fixture adapters 620-634includes respective fixture interfaces 650-664 with correspondingfixture footprints such as the fixture footprints 651-665. Each of thefixture interfaces 650-664 has a varied fixture footprint 651-665corresponding to the installation footprints 601-615 of each of thefixtures 600-614. As previously described, the fixture interfaces 650are provided in a pre-prepared state that allows for immediate couplingof the fixture adapters 620-634 with the corresponding fixtures 600-614.As shown, some of the exemplary fixture adapters 620-634 include fixtureinterfaces 650-664 having one or more brackets, tubular interfaces,fastener patterns (fastener hole arrangements) or the like configuredfor coupling with the corresponding installation footprints 601-615shown for instance in FIG. 6A. The installer is thereby able to readilycouple the fixture adapters 620-634 with the corresponding fixtures600-614 onsite to thereby readily install the fixtures 600-614 with thefixture mount assembly 102 as previously described herein (and shown forinstance in the example in FIG. 1 and other figures herein).

As further shown in FIG. 6B, each of the fixture adapters 620-634includes a consistent mount interface 640 that is substantiallyduplicated between each of the fixture adapters 620-634. As shown forinstance in FIG. 6B, the mount interfaces 640 have a consistent profile(e.g., one or more of shape, size or the like) that facilitates theready reception of the mount interfaces 640 with the remainder of thefixture mount assembly 102 including for instance the fixture mount 108.For instance, the mount interfaces 640 are readily received within thefixture ports 210 of the fixture anchors 208 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B).Further, the mount interfaces 640 are configured for reception withinthe fixture clamps 218 of each of the fixture anchors 208. As shown forinstance in FIG. 2B, the fixture clamps 218 in one example include firstand second jaws 220, 222 configured for engagement with thecorresponding profile of the mount interfaces 640 to thereby provide areliable robust coupling with the fixtures 600-614 through the mountinterfaces 640 of the fixture adapters 620 (and the other examples ofthe fixture adapters described herein). That is to say, the fixtureadapters 620 each include a consistent mount interface 640 having thesame profile including shape, size and the like for coupling with thecorresponding fixture anchors 208 of the fixture mount assembly 102.Optionally, the mount interface 640 (and the corresponding fixtureanchor 208) has a consistent size and shape common to a segment of lightfixtures. For instance, the mount interface 640 has a circular shape andouter diameter of approximately 2⅜ inches. The corresponding fixtureanchor 208 has a complementary shape and size.

With the system shown in FIG. 6B, including for instance a plurality offixture adapters 620 having unique and varied fixture interfaces 650-664(with corresponding varied fixture footprints 651-665) a plurality ofvaried fixtures such as the fixtures 600-614 are readily coupled withthe fixture amount assembly 102 without otherwise requiring repetitivelabor intensive efforts to join the fixtures to a support. Such effortsinclude, but are not limited to, measuring out dimensions for fasteners,applying templates for brackets and the like, forming fastener holes,providing fasteners in the support, transposing a template to thesupport for cutting or drilling to provide the varied interfaces neededfor coupling with the installation footprints 601-615 of each of thevaried fixtures 600-614. Instead, the fixture mount assembly 102provides a consistent interface with each of the fixtures 600-614 by wayof one or more fixture adapters 620-634 provided between the fixtures600 and the fixture mount 108 and mounted in fixture anchors 208configured to receive the adapters. The fixture mount assembly 102thereby provides a consistent and ready to use interface and couplingdevice to allow for the robust coupling of a plurality of fixture typesto any supports (e.g., including, but not limited to, the supports 106,500 or the like shown herein).

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of one example of a method 700 for mountingone or more fixtures such as the fixture 104 to a support such as thesupport 106. One example of a fixture mount assembly 102 used with themethod 700 is described herein and shown for instance in FIGS. 1-6B. Indescribing the method 700, reference is made to one or more components,features, functions and steps previously described herein. Whereconvenient reference is made to the components, features, steps and thelike with reference numerals. Reference numerals provided are exemplaryand are non-exclusive. For instance, features, components, functions,steps and the like described in the method 700 include, but are notlimited to, the corresponding numbered elements provided herein, othercorresponding features described herein (both numbered and unnumbered)as well as their equivalents.

At 702, a fixture mount such as the fixture mount 108 shown for instancein FIG. 1 is coupled to a support 106 with a grasping clamp 110 (seeFIG. 2A). Coupling the fixture mount 108 includes, in one example,moving at least one opposed engagement face such as the engagement face400 toward another opposed engagement face (another engagement face 400shown in FIG. 4). At 706, the method 700 includes clamping the supportsuch as the support 106 between the opposed engagement faces 400. Aspreviously described herein, in one example a fastener such as a bolt,ring or the like 402 is coupled between one or more of the engagementfaces 400. Optionally, the engagement faces 400 are provided on one ormore support brackets 404 that are moveably coupled with the fixturemount 108 for instance along the mount body 200. The fastener arecoupled in such an example with the support brackets 404. In an example,moving the at least one opposed engagement face at 704 includes movingtwo or more engagement faces 400 for instance on the support brackets404 toward each other and thereby clamping the support 106 therebetween.

At 708, at least one fixture, such as one or more of the fixtures600-614 shown for instance in FIG. 6A, is coupled with a fixture anchor208 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. At 710, coupling the at least one fixture(e.g., one or more of fixtures 600-614) includes delivering acorresponding mount interface 640 of a fixture adapter through a fixtureport 210 of a fixture anchor 208 provided with the fixture mountassembly 102.

At 712, coupling the at least one fixture 600-614 with the fixtureanchor 208 includes clamping the mount interface 640 of the fixture ofthe corresponding fixture adapter (e.g., one or more of adapters620-634) through the fixture port 210 with a fixture clamp such as oneor more of the fixture clamps 218 shown in FIGS. 2B and 3A. In oneexample, the fixture clamp 218 includes one or more features configuredto clamp the mount interface 640 of one or more of the fixture adapterstherein. For instance, the fixture clamp 218 includes in one example afirst jaw 220 and a second jaw 222. One or more of the jaws 220, 222 ismoveable relative to the other jaw to provide a clamping interfacearound a mount interface received between the first and second jaws 220,222. For instance, a clamp operator 226 is in one example provided withthe first jaw 220 and is used to move the first jaw 220 (optionally inan opposed fashion relative to a jaw biasing element 228) to close thefirst jaw 220 around the mount interface. The fixing of the mountinterface 640 with the fixture clamp 218 immobilizes the correspondingfixture for instance one or more of the fixtures 104, 600-614translationally within the fixture anchor 208.

In another example, the port walls 232 of the fixture port 210 (throughwhich the mount interface 640 is delivered) provide lateralimmobilization of the mount interface 640 and the associated fixture(such as the fixtures 104, 600-614) coupled with the fixture adapter.Stated another way, in at least one example each of the fixture anchors208 provides one or more or both of translational and lateral support toa fixture such as the fixtures 104, 600-614 coupled with the fixturemount assembly 102 by way of a clamp feature such as the fixture clamp218 as well as the fixture port 210 having the port walls 232.

Several options for the method 700 follow. In one example, the method700 includes coupling the fixture adapter, for instance one or more ofthe fixture adapters 620-634 shown in FIG. 6A, to the respectivefixtures 600-614 prior to delivering the corresponding mount interface(e.g., the mount interface 640) through the corresponding fixture ports210 of the fixture mount assembly 102. In another example, the method700 includes coupling a fixture interface such as one or more of thefixture interfaces 650-664 of the corresponding fixture adapters 620-634to the corresponding fixtures (600-614). The fixture interfaces 650-664described herein include corresponding fixture footprints 651-665matching respective fixture installation footprints 601-615 of thefixtures. In another example, delivering the mount interface 640 (aconsistent interface as described herein) through the fixture port 210includes snugly engaging the mount interface 640 with one or more portwalls 232 of each of the fixture ports 210. The port walls 232 and themount interface 640 (as well as the mount interface 302 shown forinstance in FIG. 3A) have a corresponding fit to facilitate the snugengagement and corresponding lateral support of the mount interface andthe fixture coupled with the corresponding fixture adapter thereon.

In another example, coupling at least one fixture such as one or more ofthe fixtures 104, 600-614 with the fixture anchor 208 as describedherein includes biasing one or more of the first or second jaws 220, 222into an open position relative to the other opposed jaw 222, 220. In oneexample, one or more jaw biasing elements 228 are provided between thefirst and second jaws 220, 222 to bias the first jaw 220 into an openconfiguration and facilitate positioning of the fixture adapter,including for instance a mount interface 302, 640 as described herein,between the first and second jaws 220, 222. That is to say, the fixtureadapter is readily received within the fixture clamp 218 and is clampedbetween the features of the fixture clamp 218 including for instance thefirst and second jaws 220, 222. By biasing one or more of the first andsecond jaws 220, 222 apart the mount interface is readily receivedbetween the jaws 220, 222 and the installer is not otherwise required topry open the fixture clamp 218.

In another example, the fixture mount, as previously described herein inone example, includes a plurality of fixture anchors 208. Optionally,coupling the at least one fixture (one or more fixtures 104, 600-614)with one or more of the fixture anchors 208 includes coupling two ormore fixtures in two or more corresponding fixture anchors 208respectively of the plurality of fixture anchors 208 of the fixturemount assembly 102. Optionally, in another example, one or more portplugs 212 are provided at fixture anchors 208 (e.g., within the fixtureports 210) to plug the one or more fixture ports 210 and provide asealed wiring cavity 242 to protect the interior of the fixture mountassembly 102 from the elements. The port plugs 212 are in one exampleprovided at fixture anchors 208 where fixtures are not otherwise coupledat those respective anchors.

In another example, moving the at least one opposed engagement face 400includes moving at least one support bracket 404 along correspondingbracket guides such as the bracket guides 406 shown in FIG. 4. The atleast one support bracket 404 includes the at least one opposedengagement face 400 thereon. Referring to FIG. 4, in the example showntherein a plurality of engagement faces 400 are provided oncorresponding support brackets 404. Each of the support brackets 404 ismoveable relative to the other support brackets along one or morebracket guides 406. In other examples, fewer than the total number ofsupport brackets 404 are moveable relative to the fixture mount 108. Forinstance, one or more of the engagement faces 400 are moveable while theremainder of the engagement faces 400 and their corresponding supportbrackets 404 are fixed in place. As previously described herein, afterengagement of the engagement faces 400 around the support such as thesupport 106 one or more locking features such as locking fasteners 412are operated to thereby fix the support brackets 404 in place and holdthe fixture amount assembly 102 in tight robust engagement and couplingwith the support 106.

As also previously described herein, the engagement faces 400 in oneexample include a profile complimentary to a profile support 106. Forinstance, where the support 106 has a rounded or curved configurationthe engagement faces 400 include a corresponding round or curvedconfiguration to provide one or more of multi-point contact orsurface-to-surface contact between the engagement faces 400 and thesupport 106. Optionally, and as described and shown herein, in oneexample, one or more of the engagement faces 400 are modified forinstance with the inclusion of one or more corresponding support inserts502 coupled along the engagement faces 400. The engagement faces 400 arethereby modified, for instance from a curved to a flat configuration, orfrom a flat configuration to a curved configuration to thereby allow forthe engagement of corresponding profiles between the engagement faces400 and a support such as the support 500 shown in FIG. 5. That is tosay, the inclusion of the support inserts 502 modifies the engagementfaces 400 to provide an optional complimentary profile to the squaresupport 500 to thereby facilitate the coupling of the engagement faces400 along the square support 500. In a similar manner, one or moreinserts having other profiles are provided with the grasping clamp 110to thereby facilitate the selective coupling of the grasping clamp witha desired support such as the square support 500 or any other supporthaving a different profile and correspondingly shaped inserts forinstance supports with a hexagonal profile, ovular profile, roundedprofile, triangular profile or the like.

VARIOUS NOTES & EXAMPLES

Example 1 can include subject matter such as a fixture mount assemblycomprising: a fixture mount configured for coupling with one or morefixtures, the fixture mount includes: a mount body, and one or morefixture anchors coupled with the mount body, each of the one or morefixture anchors includes a fixture clamp and a fixture port extendingthrough the mount body; and a grasping clamp coupled with the fixturemount, the grasping clamp configured to couple the fixture mount with asupport, the grasping clamp includes: one or more bracket guides, andone or more support brackets, each of the one or more support bracketsrespectively movably coupled with a bracket guide of the one or morebracket guides.

Example 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1, to optionally include one or more fixture adapters,each of the fixture adapters including: a fixture interface including afixture footprint corresponding to an installation footprint of the oneor more fixtures, and a mount interface configured for coupling with theone or more fixture anchors.

Example 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 1 or 2 to optionallyinclude wherein a shape of the mount interface corresponds to the shapeof the fixture port.

Example 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 1-3 to optionally includeat least first and second fixture adapters: the first fixture adapterincludes a first fixture interface having a first fixture footprintcorresponding to a first fixture installation footprint, and the secondfixture adapter includes a second fixture interface having a secondfixture footprint corresponding to a second fixture installationfootprint, and the first and second fixture interfaces are different andthe corresponding first and second fixture installation footprints aredifferent.

Example 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 1-4 to optionally includewherein both of the first and second fixture adapters include matchingmount interfaces configured for coupling with the one or more fixtureanchors.

Example 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-5 to optionally include wherein the fixture clampincludes: a first jaw movable relative to the mount body, a second jaw,and a jaw biasing element coupled with the first jaw, the jaw biasingelement biases the first jaw toward an open configuration.

Example 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-6 to optionally include wherein the first clampincludes a clamp operator configured to move the first jaw toward thesecond jaw.

Example 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-7 to optionally include wherein each of the one ormore support brackets includes an engagement face configured for engagedwith a support.

Example 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-8 to optionally include wherein the one or moresupport brackets includes at least first and second support brackets,and engagement faces of the first and second support brackets areopposed.

Example 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-9 to optionally include wherein the grasping clampincludes at least one fastener coupled between the first and secondsupport brackets and the at least one fastener is configured to move atleast one of the first and second support brackets and the respectiveengagement faces toward the other of the second and first supportbrackets and the respective engagement faces.

Example 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-10 to optionally include wherein the grasping clampincludes at least one fastener coupled with the one or more supportbrackets and the at least one fastener is configured to move the one ormore support brackets.

Example 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-11 to optionally include at least one of the one ormore fixtures or the support.

Example 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-12 to optionally include a fixture mount assemblycomprising: a mount body; one or more fixture anchors associated withthe mount body, each of the one or more fixture anchors includes: afixture port extending through the mount body, the mount body include aport wall extending around the fixture port, and a fixture clampincluding a first jaw movable relative to a second jaw; and one or morefixture adapters configured for coupling with the one or more fixtureanchors, each of the one or more fixture adapters includes a mountinterface and a fixture interface configured for coupling with acorresponding fixture installation footprint of a fixture, and in aninstallation configuration: the fixture port is configured to receivethe mount interface therein, and the the fixture clamp is configured toclamp the mount interface between the first and second jaws.

Example 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-13 to optionally include wherein the port wall isconfigured to laterally support the mount interface in the installationconfiguration.

Example 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-14 to optionally include wherein the fixture clampincludes a clamp operator configured to move the first jaw toward thesecond jaw and clamp the mount interface between the first and secondjaws.

Example 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-15 to optionally include wherein the fixture clampis configured to translationally lock the mounting interface in theinstallation configuration.

Example 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-16 to optionally include wherein the second jaw ispositioned on one or more adapter rails extending from the fixture port.

Example 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-17 to optionally include wherein the second jaw isinterposed between the fixture port and a fixture stop, the fixture stopconfigured intercept the mount interface in the installationconfiguration.

Example 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-18 to optionally include wherein the one or morefixture anchors includes a plurality of fixture anchors positionedaround the mount body.

Example 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-19 to optionally include wherein one or more of thefixture ports of the plurality of fixture anchors includes a port plugconfigured to close the fixture port.

Example 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-20 to optionally include wherein the mount bodyincludes a body cover, the body cover conceals a wiring cavity withinthe mount body.

Example 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-21 to optionally include an instrument portextending through the mount body.

Example 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-22 to optionally include a grasping clamp coupledwith the mount body, the grasping clamp includes: at least two opposedengagement faces, and at least one fastener coupled between the at leasttwo opposed engagement faces, the at least one fastener configured tomove the at least two opposed engagement faces toward and away from eachother.

Example 24 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-23 to optionally include one or more supportinserts coupled along one or more of the at least two opposed engagementfaces, the one or more support inserts correspond the shape of one ormore of the at least two opposed engagement faces to the shape of asupport.

Example 25 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-24 to optionally include wherein the one or morefixture adapters includes at least first and second fixture adapters andthe fixture installation footprint includes first and second fixtureinstallation footprints: the first fixture adapter includes a firstfixture interface having a first fixture footprint corresponding to afirst fixture installation footprint, the second fixture adapterincludes a second fixture interface having a second fixture footprintcorresponding to a second fixture installation footprint, and the firstand second fixture interfaces are different and the corresponding firstand second fixture installation footprints are different, and themounting interfaces of the first and second fixture adapters match andcorrespond to the port wall.

Example 26 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-25 to optionally include a method for mounting oneor more fixtures to a support comprising: coupling a fixture mount to asupport with a grasping clamp, coupling the fixture mount includes:moving at least one opposed engagement face toward another opposedengagement face, and clamping the support between the opposed engagementfaces; and coupling at least one fixture with a fixture anchor of thefixture mount, coupling the at least one fixture includes: delivering amount interface of a fixture adapter through a fixture port of thefixture anchor, and clamping the mount interface delivered through thefixture port with a fixture clamp.

Example 27 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-26 to optionally include coupling the fixtureadapter to the fixture prior to delivering the mount interface of thefixture adapter through the fixture port.

Example 28 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-27 to optionally include coupling a fixtureinterface of the fixture adapter to the fixture, the fixture interfacehaving a fixture footprint corresponding to a fixture installationfootprint of the fixture.

Example 29 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-28 to optionally include wherein delivering themount interface through the fixture port includes snugly engaging mountinterface with a port wall of the fixture port, the port wall and themount interface having a corresponding fit.

Example 30 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-29 to optionally include wherein clamping the mountinterface with the fixture clamp includes clamping the mount interfacebetween first and second jaws.

Example 31 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-30 to optionally include wherein coupling the atleast one fixture with the fixture anchor includes biasing at least thefirst jaw into an open position relative to the second jaw with a jawbiasing element while delivering the mounter interface through thefixture port.

Example 32 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-31 to optionally include wherein the fixture mountincludes a plurality of fixture anchors, and comprising plugging one ormore of the fixture ports of one or more of the fixture anchors withport plugs.

Example 33 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-32 to optionally include wherein the fixture mountincludes a plurality of fixture anchors, and coupling the at least onefixture with the fixture anchor includes coupling fixtures in two ormore fixture anchors, respectively, of the plurality of fixture anchors.

Example 34 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-33 to optionally include wherein moving the atleast one opposed engagement face includes tightening at least onefastener coupled between the opposed engagement faces.

Example 35 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-34 to optionally include wherein moving the atleast one opposed engagement face includes moving at least one supportbracket along bracket guides of the fixture mount, the at least onesupport bracket includes the at least one opposed engagement face.

Example 36 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Examples 1-35 to optionally include wherein opposed engagementfaces have a corresponding profile to a support profile of the support,and clamping the support includes clamping the corresponding profile tothe support profile.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can becombined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of theother examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and anydocuments so incorporated by reference, the usage in this documentcontrols.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable mediumor machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable toconfigure an electronic device to perform methods as described in theabove examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, suchas microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, orthe like. Such code can include computer readable instructions forperforming various methods. The code may form portions of computerprogram products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangiblystored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangiblecomputer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times.Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but arenot limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable opticaldisks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes,memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read onlymemories (ROMs), and the like. The above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedexamples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combinationwith each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one ofordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. TheAbstract is provided to comply with 37 CFR § 1.72(b), to allow thereader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. Itis submitted with the understanding that it will not be used tointerpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in theabove Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together tostreamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intendingthat an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather,inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of aparticular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it iscontemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other invarious combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention shouldbe determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The claimed invention is:
 1. A method for mounting one or more fixtures to a support comprising: coupling a fixture mount to the support with a grasping clamp, coupling the fixture mount includes: moving at least one opposed engagement face toward another opposed engagement face; and clamping the support between the opposed engagement faces; and coupling at least one fixture of the one or more fixtures with a fixture anchor of the fixture mount, coupling the at least one fixture includes: delivering a mount interface of a fixture adapter through a fixture port of the fixture anchor; and clamping the mount interface delivered through the fixture port with a fixture clamp.
 2. The method of claim 1 comprising coupling the fixture adapter to the at least one fixture prior to delivering the mount interface of the fixture adapter through the fixture port.
 3. The method of claim 1 comprising coupling a fixture interface of the fixture adapter to the at least one fixture, the fixture interface having a fixture footprint corresponding to a fixture installation footprint of the at least one fixture.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering the mount interface through the fixture port includes snugly engaging the mount interface with a port wall of the fixture port, the port wall and the mount interface having a corresponding fit.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein clamping the mount interface with the fixture clamp includes clamping the mount interface between first and second jaws.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein coupling the at least one fixture with the fixture anchor includes biasing at least the first jaw into an open position relative to the second jaw with a jaw biasing element while delivering the mount interface through the fixture port.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the fixture anchor of the fixture mount includes a plurality of fixture anchors, the method further comprising: plugging one or more of the fixture ports of one or more of the fixture anchors of the plurality of fixture anchors with port plugs.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the fixture anchor of the fixture mount includes a plurality of fixture anchors, and wherein coupling the at least one fixture with the fixture anchor includes coupling two or more fixtures in two or more fixture anchors, respectively, of the plurality of fixture anchors.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the at least one opposed engagement face includes tightening at least one fastener coupled between the opposed engagement faces.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the at least one opposed engagement face includes moving at least one support bracket along bracket guides of the fixture mount, the at least one support bracket includes the at least one opposed engagement face.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein opposed engagement faces have a corresponding profile to a support profile of the support, and clamping the support includes clamping the corresponding profile to the support profile. 